For over 30 years, WWE Survivor Series has been as integral to Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie and football. What began as a bold experiment in 1987 is now one of wrestling’s most anticipated events, blending nostalgia, high-stakes action, and family bonding. Here’s how Survivor Series became WWE’s holiday classic.
The Origins: WWE’s Thanksgiving Experiment
In 1987, fresh off the success of WrestleMania, Vince McMahon envisioned a second tentpole event. The result? Survivor Series, a groundbreaking elimination-style tag team showdown. The inaugural event on November 26, 1987, at Ohio’s Richfield Coliseum drew 21,000 fans and aired on Thanksgiving Eve—strategically timed to capitalize on holiday viewership.
Thanksgiving weekend’s captive audience made it the perfect slot for WWE’s mix of athleticism and drama, cementing the event as a yearly tradition.
Unforgettable Survivor Series Moments
From debuts to betrayals, Survivor Series has delivered legendary WWE milestones:
- The Undertaker’s Debut (1990): The Deadman’s first appearance kicked off a 30-year legacy.
- The Montreal Screwjob (1997): Bret Hart’s controversial loss to Shawn Michaels remains wrestling’s most infamous moment.
- The Invasion Climax (2001): Team WWE’s victory over WCW/ECW’s Alliance reshaped the industry.
- The Shield’s Debut (2012): Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose exploded onto the main roster.
These moments turned Survivor Series into a cultural phenomenon, keeping fans glued to their screens every November.
Why Thanksgiving and Wrestling Go Hand-in-Hand
Like the Macy’s Parade or NFL games, Survivor Series carved a niche as holiday entertainment. WWE embraced themes of gratitude, rivalry, and legacy, while leveraging the holiday’s family gatherings. In the pre-streaming era, it was appointment viewing—a rare crossover where grandparents, parents, and kids could all cheer (or boo) together.
Even today, WWE schedules the event near Thanksgiving, preserving its festive appeal.
Survivor Series Today: Raw vs. SmackDown
Recent years have refreshed the format with brand supremacy battles (Raw vs. SmackDown), adding stakes to elimination matches. Stars like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch have headlined, proving its enduring relevance among WWE’s stacked calendar.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Survival
More than a wrestling show, Survivor Series is a Thanksgiving institution. It’s where legends are born, stories climax, and families bond. As long as WWE exists, this event will remain a holiday highlight—because survival isn’t just a theme; it’s tradition.
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